Job Overview
Location: Peterborough, Ontario
Structure: 1970s detached bungalow with open garage
Problem: Scratching noises in kitchen ceiling; uncovered exterior dryer vent opening
Service: Rat treatment and exclusion
Visits: 3
Summary
We were contacted regarding scratching and movement sounds in the kitchen ceiling of a detached bungalow. The homeowner had recently installed a new dryer system that did not require exterior venting, leaving the previous wall vent open and uncovered.
Grant attended to inspect the structure, identify potential entry points, and implement an exterior rat treatment program. Over three visits, we addressed exterior activity and completed targeted exclusion work to reduce interior access.
Background / Property Context
The home is a 1970s-era brick bungalow with basement-level windows and multiple exterior penetrations, including utility vents and window framing. Landscaping along the foundation included accumulated leaves and garden beds in direct contact with the structure.
Older masonry construction and aging sealants are common contributing factors in rodent entry cases of this type.
Customer Concern
The homeowner reported scratching and movement sounds in the kitchen ceiling area. The timing of the issue coincided with the installation of a new dryer unit that no longer required ventilation, leaving an exterior wall vent open.
The concern was that rodents were accessing the interior ceiling void through this exposed opening.
Inspection & Findings
During the initial inspection, Grant identified several vulnerabilities along the exterior foundation and wall system:
- An uncovered exterior dryer vent opening leading directly into the wall cavity
- Gaps in mortar joints between bricks
- Cracked and separated sealant around three basement-level windows
- A plumbing/utility pipe penetration with visible spacing around the pipe
- Accumulated leaves and debris along the foundation
Photos show a visible vertical gap in the brick mortar joint above a basement window. Additional images show a damaged or open wall vent and debris buildup along the foundation line. One image appears to show nesting material inside a vent opening.
Interior inspection confirmed rodent activity consistent with rats accessing structural voids.
Cause Analysis
Rats commonly exploit structural openings created by aging construction materials or renovations. In this case, the removal of a functional dryer vent left a direct exterior opening into the wall cavity.
Deteriorated mortar joints, cracked window sealant, and unsealed pipe penetrations further increased accessibility. Ground-level debris and landscaping near the foundation provided cover, making the structure more vulnerable to exterior rodent pressure.
Treatment / Removal
An exterior rat treatment program was implemented during Visit 1. Two large tamper-resistant bait stations were installed around the perimeter in strategic locations to target exterior rat activity.
Commercial-grade rodenticide was placed inside the stations by a licensed exterminator in accordance with Ontario Ministry of the Environment guidelines.
The homeowner initially deferred exclusion work but later approved sealing measures during Visit 2.
Exclusion & Repairs
Upon approval, we completed the following exclusion measures:
- Sealing of three basement-level windows where cracks were large enough to permit rodent access
- Application of exterior-grade sealant to close accessible structural gaps
Visible vent openings were assessed, and protective measures were installed to reduce future access risk where authorized.
Outcome & Confirmation
By Visit 3, the homeowner reported a significant reduction in exterior rat activity. Bait station monitoring confirmed decreased consumption levels.
The completed exclusion work effectively limited rodent access to interior structural voids. While additional preventative sealing could have been performed, the homeowner was satisfied with the results achieved at this stage.
No further interior activity was reported at the time of the final visit.
Technician Notes
Grant documented that the primary vulnerability was the uncovered dryer vent opening combined with aging exterior sealant and mortar gaps.
Exterior baiting successfully reduced the active rat population. Targeted window sealing addressed the most accessible entry points. Continued monitoring was recommended due to the age of the structure and surrounding environmental conditions.
This service was completed by our Peterborough Pest Control team. For Pest Control inquiries in Peterborough, contact 705-535-0854.